What changed
The new version adds recitals and a paragraph on the misuse of Article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus, including specific prisoner cases and a call for repeal. #1#2
2 changes of substance. Each change below carries a one-line ✦ note from the same model. Written from the two texts only — read the highlighted passages before relying on it.
The changes to the text itself, in document order. Cover page, citations (“having regard to …”), standard resolution paragraphs and punctuation-only edits are left out — they are in “Show every difference”.
Change #1 Substance
Adds two recitals detailing cases of political prisoners with deteriorating health and condemning the systematic use of Article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus to extend imprisonment arbitrarily.
D. whereas the cases of Dzianis Ivashyn, Pavel Belavus, Ihar Alinevich, Volha Mayorava, Alena Lazarchyk, Aliaksandr Frantskevich, Viktar Snehur, Eduard Babaryka, Mikalai Autukhovich, Uladzimir Hundar, Iryna Melkher, members of the Rezanovich and Karsakou families, Stsiapan Latypau, Viachaslau Areshka and many others illustrate the severe deterioration of health and the devastating consequences of inhuman detention conditions, prolonged isolation and the denial of adequate medical care;
E. whereas Article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus has been systematically used against political prisoners to arbitrarily extend their imprisonment on the basis of fabricated disciplinary violations, creating a mechanism of indefinite detention and coercion; whereas more than 80 political prisoners have been convicted under this provision since 2020, some of them repeatedly; whereas Article 411 is used to subject detainees to blackmail, force them to seek pardons from the regime, participate in propaganda activities or cooperate with the authorities, and has become an instrument of psychological torture and political repression;
Change #2 Substance
Adds a paragraph condemning the misuse of Article 411, calling for its repeal, demanding release and rehabilitation of all convicted, and expressing concern for about 50 prisoners under this article.
4. Condemns the systematic misuse of Article 411 of the Criminal Code of Belarus as a tool for political persecution and arbitrary sentence extension; calls for its immediate repeal; demands the release and full legal rehabilitation of all persons convicted under this provision; expresses deep concern for the approximately 50 political prisoners who remain imprisoned under Article 411 and whose lives and health are at serious risk as a result of prolonged detention, solitary confinement and other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment;